JP4250224B2 - Shooting system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to communication between an optical accessory such as a television photographing lens for television photography and an optical device such as a camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a broadcast television system, communication is performed using an analog signal as a camera-lens interface. For example, the lens system can be controlled by specifying the lens voltage to determine the position of the focus lens and IRIS, and the speed of the zoom lens, or conversely the focus lens and zoom lens, The lens information is transmitted by sending a voltage indicating the position of the IRIS to the camera side. On the other hand, in the lens, a feedback system using a potentiometer as a position sensor is configured to perform an analog servo control system.
[0003]
In addition, since there is a limit to the number of types and the accuracy of analog signals, in recent years, there is a tendency to use a serial interface as a camera-lens communication function.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, since information is exchanged using serial communication, for example, the lens side determines communication data in response to a request from the camera, and the data for the request is transferred to the camera side. Therefore, when a large amount of information has to be transferred, there is a time difference between the first data and the last data. Further, even if it is desired to transfer the state information to the camera at a high speed in the lens state, the information cannot be transferred unless there is a request from the next camera.
[0005]
That is, there is an information delay because all the information is put on the serial communication.
[0006]
For example, in a single-lens reflex camera, when the timing of light emission, aperture, and shutter is communicated serially during communication between the strobe and the camera, it is not possible to communicate without delay when necessary. Also, in the AF system, when transmitting position data information during movement of the focus lens and zoom lens to the camera, serial communication is not performed in real time, causing a delay in the system.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The first photographing system of the present invention is a photographing system that performs serial communication via a serial communication line between a camera having a recorder for recording video and a lens device connected to the camera.
  The lens device has an operation member that forms a signal for starting the recorder independently of a data request command from the camera,
  A signal for starting the recorder from the operation memberEven if there is no data request command from the camera, the camera communicates with the camera via a communication line provided independently of the serial communication line.
  A second imaging system of the present invention is an imaging system that performs serial communication via a serial communication line between a camera and a lens device connected to the camera.
  The camera has a monitor that displays an image through the lens device.Have
  The lens device has an operation member that forms a signal for switching the image of the monitor independently of a data request command from the camera,
  A signal for switching the image of the monitor from the operation member.Even if there is no data request command from the camera, the camera communicates with the camera via a communication line provided independently of the serial communication line.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an optical apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 101 is a lens unit for photographing, and 121 is a camera unit that photographs through the optical system of the lens unit 101.
[0036]
A microcomputer 102 is a control device (hereinafter abbreviated as aCPU) that manages the lens unit and controls the servo system. Reference numeral 103 denotes a driver for driving the motor 104, 113 denotes a clutch for transmitting a driving force from the motor 104, and 106 denotes an optical lens connected to the clutch 113. The clutch 113 is connected to a SW (switch, hereinafter abbreviated as SMCHG-SW) 114 as an operation member for switching between the servo mode and the manual mode of the optical lens 106. When the SMCHG-SW 114 is in the servo mode, the clutch 113 can transmit the driving force from the motor 104 to the lens 106, and when the SMCHG-SW 114 is in the manual mode, the clutch 113 is transmitted from the motor 104 to the lens 106. The driving force cannot be transmitted. Here, since the SMCHG-SW 114 is also connected to the aCPU 102, it is possible to determine whether or not to drive the lens unit 106 in the servo mode.
[0037]
Reference numeral 107 denotes an encoder for detecting the position of the optical lens 106, and reference numeral 108 denotes a counter for counting outputs from the encoder 107. Reference numeral 112 denotes a timer, and the timer 112 and the counter 108 are connected to the aCPU 102. The aCPU 102 can know the position and speed of the optical lens 106 by using the value of the counter 108 and the value of the timer 112. Reference numeral 105 denotes a manual operation unit for manually moving the optical lens 106.
[0038]
In addition, a demand command setting unit 131 is connected to the lens unit 101, and an A / D converter 111 for A / D converting the command of the demand command setting unit 131 is connected. Demand command value can be input to the aCPU 102.
[0039]
The camera unit 121 is equipped with a microcomputer as a control device (hereinafter abbreviated as bCPU) so that serial communication 141 can be performed with the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101.
[0040]
Further, the camera unit 121 is equipped with a viewfinder 123 for monitoring a captured video, a VTR (recorder) 124 for recording video, and a microphone 125 for recording audio.
[0041]
Further, the lens unit 101 is equipped with a switch RET-SW 151 as an operation member for switching the image of the viewfinder 123 and a switch VTR-SW 152 as an operation member for starting up the VTR, and is connected to the aCPU 102. Further, the RET-SW 151 and the VTR-SW 152 are configured to be directly connected to the camera unit 121 through a line independent of the serial communication line, and the switch information can be directly communicated via this line. It is configured. Since communication via this line is switch on / off information, a high or low signal may be transmitted, or an analog signal such as a voltage according to the switch state may be transmitted. . In this case, the microcomputer 122 is configured to be able to respond to the analog signal by an analog-digital converter.
[0042]
Also, FIG. 7 is an image diagram of the photographing system having the configuration shown in FIG. Here, the camera unit 121 may be connected to a sub-adjustment room (not shown), and the imaging system can be controlled by a controller called a camera control unit (not shown, hereinafter referred to as CCU). In addition, a plurality of imaging systems are connected to the sub-adjustment room, and it is possible to select images to be aired. In addition to the VTR 123 of the camera unit 121, the sub-adjustment room has a VTR for video from each imaging system and an on-air VTR, which can be recorded on each VTR. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the viewfinder 124 can monitor a video image taken by itself or an on-air video image, and can detect an object distance (hereinafter referred to as an object distance) based on information from the lens unit 101. , OD), focal length (hereinafter referred to as FD), IRIS position, and the like.
[0043]
Next, the serial communication 141 between the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 and the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Here, for explanation, the optical lens 106 of the lens unit 101 is a focus lens. Take as an example.
[0044]
The serial data transmission terminal aTx210 of the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 is connected to the serial data reception terminal bRx211 of the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 by the transfer line aSD201, and information and commands of the aCPU 102 can be transferred to the bCPU 121. It has become. The serial data reception terminal aRx 212 of the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 is connected to the serial data transmission terminal bTx 213 of the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 by the transfer line bSD 202, and information and commands of the bCPU 122 can be transferred to the aCPU 102. It is possible.
[0045]
When the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 sends the focus / lens position request command 203 from the terminal bTx 213 to the terminal aRx 212 of the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 using the transfer line bSD 202, the aCPU 102 receives the command from the terminal aRx 212 and sends the command content. As a result of the determination, the position information of the focus / lens is read from the counter 108, and the value is transferred from the terminal aTx210 to the terminal bTx213 of the bCPU 122 as the focus / lens position information 204 using the transfer line aSD201.
[0046]
Similarly, when the bCPU 122 transfers the focus / lens position information and SW information request command 205 to the aCPU 102, the aCPU determines the command and transfers the focus / lens position information 204 and the SW information 206 to the bCPU 122. Become.
[0047]
The serial communication data configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration includes a header portion 301 and a data portion 302. Assume that the header portion 301 has 8 bits, and the data portion 302 has a number of bits depending on the header portion 301, for example, 16 bits for the focus / lens position and 8 bits for the SW information.
[0048]
The transfer contents of serial communication will be described with reference to FIG.
(1) Focus / lens position request command
Header part 301 is “10H”, data part 302 is none
(2) Focus / lens position information
The header portion 301 is “20H” and the data portion 302 is 16-bit focus lens position information data.
(3) In case of SW information request
Header part 301 is “11H”, data part 302 is none
(4) For SW information
The header portion 301 is “21H”, and the data portion is 8-bit ON / OFF data in which each SW information is assigned in bit units.
(5) Focus / lens position and SW information request (composite command)
Header part 301 is “12H”, data part 302 is none
(6) Information for compound instructions
Combining header section 301 and data section 302 for transfer information
(7) About each bit assignment of SW information
bit 0: VTR-SW152
bit 1: RET-SW151
bit 2: SW1
bit 3: SW2
bit 4: SW3
bit 5: SW4
bit 6: SW5
bit 7: SW6
However, SW1 to SW6 are assigned SWs not shown. Each bit represents 1: ON and 0: OFF.
[0049]
With reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of a case where SW information is transferred at high speed when no command is sent from the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 to the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101.
[0050]
It is assumed that the aCPU 102 detects the ON / OFF change of SW when there is no data on the transfer line bSD202. Here, it is assumed that the SW that has changed ON / OFF is RET-SW 151 and that the switch has changed from the OFF state to the ON state.
[0051]
This operation is generally performed when it is desired to switch the image of the viewfinder 123 of the camera unit 121 from an image captured by the cameraman to an on-air image. The photographer wants to immediately check the on-air video, so it is necessary to switch the video quickly.
[0052]
Therefore, bit 1 of the SW information must be set from 0 to 1, and the SW information must be transferred to the camera unit 121 so that the viewfinder 123 in the camera unit 121 is switched.
[0053]
However, the SW information cannot be transferred without the SW information request command from the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121, so that the video switching of the viewfinder 123 is delayed.
[0054]
Therefore, the aCPU 102 transfers the SW information to the bCPU 122 without the SW information request command from the bCPU 122, so that the camera unit 121 recognizes that it is necessary to switch the video of the viewfinder 123 and can quickly switch the video. Become.
[0055]
Here, the bCPU 122 needs to determine what the data sent from the aCPU 102 is. However, the header unit 301 may be determined based on the data structure of the serial communication described above. The case where high-speed SW information transfer is performed while a command from the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 is being transferred to the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056]
It is assumed that the aCPU 102 detects the SW ON / OFF change when data exists in the transfer line bSD202. Here, it is assumed that the SW that has changed ON / OFF is VTR-SW152, the switch is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and the data of bSD 202 is the focus / lens position information request 203.
[0057]
This operation is generally an operation for recording a video taken by a cameraman on the VTR 124. Since the photographer wants to immediately record the video being shot, it is necessary to start up the VTR 124 quickly.
[0058]
Therefore, it is necessary to set bit 0 of the SW information from 0 to 1, transfer the SW information to the camera unit 121, and start recording of the VTR 124 in the camera unit 121.
[0059]
However, SW information cannot be transferred without the SW information request command from the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121, so that the recording of the VTR 124 is delayed.
[0060]
Therefore, the aCPU 102 recognizes that it is necessary to start the recording of the VTR 124 in the camera unit 121 by transferring the SW information to the bCPU 122 after the focus / lens position information 204 even if there is no SW information request command from the bCPU 122. This makes it possible to start recording quickly.
[0061]
Here, the bCPU 122 needs to determine what the data sent from the aCPU 102 is, but this is the same as the case of the RET-SW 151 described above, and if the header part 301 is decoded, the SW information is also transferred together. You can see that
[0062]
Here, a communication algorithm will be described using a flowchart. Here, in order to process the serial communication 141 between the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 and the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121, each CPU is assumed to use interrupt processing.
[0063]
First, the main processing of the lens unit will be described with reference to FIG. In step 901, the lens system is initialized. For example, in the lens unit 101, when the memory and port of the aCPU 102 are initialized, and the encoder 107 is a relative position output type, a predetermined position (for example, mechanical end or absolute position detection) is obtained to obtain the absolute position of the lens 106. When the absolute value can be discriminated by driving the lens 106 to the position where the switch SW is present), the absolute position is set in the counter 106 or the timer 112 is started.
[0064]
Subsequently, in step 911, the state of the servo / manual switching SW 114 is checked. If the servo mode is set, the process goes to step 902. In step 902, the state of the demand command setting unit 131 is input from the A / D converter 111.
[0065]
In step 903, PID control of the lens 106 according to demand information is performed. Here, the PID control indicates normal proportional, integral, and differential control, and the contents are different from the gist of the present invention, so the description is omitted.
[0066]
In step 904, SW information such as RET-SW 151 and VTR-SW 152 is input. In step 905, the state of each SW is checked, and if a change in state is detected in at least one or more SWs. Go to step 906, set ChgSwFlag = 1, and go to step 908. If no SW state change is detected in step 905, the process goes to step 907, ChgSwFlag = 0 is set, and the process goes to step 908.
[0067]
Here, the SW state change indicates a change from the on state to the off state or from the off state to the on state. Similarly, in the case of a SW having a state of three or more values, the case where the value (state) is changed is shown.
[0068]
In step 908, the state of the flag ChgSwFlag is checked. If ChgSwFlag = 1, the process goes to step 909 to transfer the SW information. In step 901, ChgSwFlag = 0. Then, the process returns to step 911. If ChgSwFlag = 0 in step 908, the process returns to step 911.
[0069]
In step 911, if the servo / manual switching SW 114 is set to the manual mode, the process goes to step 912 to check the driving state of the lens 106. If the lens 106 is being driven, the process goes to step 913 to go to the lens. Stop 106 and go to step 904. If it is determined in step 912 that the lens 106 is not being driven, the process proceeds to step 904. Here, the lens 106 of the lens unit 101 indicates a focus lens, a zoom lens, or the like. However, the lens 106 may be a movable member other than a lens, such as an IRIS or extender, and panning or tilting in a pan / tilt system. Such a movable member may be used. In addition, the drive command may be a command from an accessory such as a shot box or an operation panel switcher as well as a command from the demand 131, or may be a command from the camera unit 121. Since the drive command is analog, the A / D converter 111 is used, but it can also be configured digitally (parallel or serial). In steps 904 to 909 described above, the switch information is serially communicated to the camera side independently of the request from the camera by operating the operation member on the lens side of the photographer.
[0070]
Next, a communication interrupt process flow of the lens unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. When there is communication from the camera unit 121, the lens unit 101 enters a communication interrupt processing routine. First, in step 1001, it is confirmed whether or not a command is input from the camera unit 101. If it is determined that there is no command, the process goes to step 1007. If it is confirmed that there is a command, the process goes to step 1002.
[0071]
In step 1002, it is checked whether the command is a focus position information request. If it is determined that the focus position information is requested, the process goes to step 1012 to transfer the focus position information. Then go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1002 that the focus position information is not requested, the process goes to step 1003.
[0072]
In step 1003, it is checked whether the command is a SW information request. In the case of the SW information request, go to Step 1013 to transfer the SW information. Further, in step 1023, ChgSwFlag = 0 is set. Then go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1003 that the SW information is not requested, the process goes to step 1004. In step 1004, it is checked whether the command is a focus position and SW information request. In the case of the focus position and SW information request, the process goes to Step 1014 to transfer the focus position and SW information. In step 1024, ChgSwFlag = 0 is set. Then go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1004 that the focus position and SW information are not requested, the process goes to step 1005.
[0073]
In step 1005, it is checked whether the command is a zoom position information request. In the case of a zoom position request, the process goes to step 1015 to transfer zoom position information information. Then go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1005 that the zoom position information is not requested, the process goes to step 1006. In step 1006, it is checked whether the command is a request for IRIS position information. If it is an IRIS location information request, go to step 1016 to transfer the IRIS location information. Then go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1006 that the request is not an IRIS position information request, the process goes to step 1007.
[0074]
In step 1007, the flag ChgSwFlag is checked. When ChgSwFlag = 1, SW information is transferred in Step 1017, and ChgSwFlag = 0 is set in Step 1027. Then, the communication interrupt process ends. If ChgSwFlag = 0 in step 1007, the communication interrupt process is terminated. Here, the composite command such as the request for the focus position and the SW information is not limited to this, but the request for the zoom position and the focus position information, the request for the IRIS position and the SW information, and three more commands. It goes without saying that request commands based on the above combinations, for example, combinations such as a focus position, zoom position, and SW information request can also be handled.
[0075]
Note that steps 1007, 1017, and 1027 are for allowing the switch information to be communicated without a request command in this interrupt process when the process proceeds to the interrupt process of FIG. 10 immediately after step 906 of FIG. 9 is performed. .
[0076]
Next, the flow of the camera unit 121 will be described. The main process of the camera unit will be described with reference to FIG. The camera unit 121 initializes the camera system in step 1401 after the power is turned on.
[0077]
In step 1402, it is checked whether the VTR is operating. If the VTR is operating, VID PID control is performed in step 1403. Then go to step 1404. If it is determined in step 1402 that the VTR is not operating, the process goes to step 1404.
[0078]
In step 1404, distortion correction is performed as processing of an image through the optical system of the lens unit 101.
[0079]
In step 1405, registration correction is performed.
[0080]
In step 1406, IRIS gain calculation is performed.
[0081]
In step 1407, information on the lens unit 101 is requested as necessary.
[0082]
In step 1408, information of the VTR-SW 152 is directly input without using serial communication.
[0083]
In step 1409, the subroutine “VTR-SW processing” is called based on the VTR-SW information input in step 1408.
[0084]
In step 1410, the information of RET-SW 151 is directly input without using serial communication. In step 1411, the subroutine “RET-SW processing” is called based on the RET-SW information input in step 1410. Then, the process returns to step 1402.
[0085]
In steps 1408 and 1410, switch information can be directly communicated from the switches 151 and 152 to the camera without using serial communication. Next, the flow of communication interrupt processing of the camera unit 121 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 1101, it is determined whether the input information is SW information. If it is determined that the information is SW information, a subroutine “VTR-SW processing” is called in step 1111. Further, in step 1121, a subroutine “RET-SW process” is called to end the communication interrupt process. If it is determined in step 1101 that the information is not SW information, the process goes to step 1102.
[0086]
In step 1102, it is checked whether the input information is focus position information. If it is determined that the position information is focus position information, the focus position information is displayed on the VF in step 1112, and the communication interruption is terminated. If it is determined in step 1102 that the position information is not focus position information, the process goes to step 1103.
[0087]
In step 1103, it is checked whether or not the input information is zoom position information. If it is determined that the zoom position information is obtained, the zoom position information is displayed on the VF in step 1113, and the communication interrupt process is terminated. If it is determined in step 1103 that the zoom position information is not included, the process goes to step 1104. In step 1104, it is checked whether the input information is IRIS position information. If it is determined that the position information is IRIS position information, the IRIS information is displayed on the VF in step 1114, and the communication interruption process is terminated. If it is determined in step 1104 that the information is not IRIS position information, the communication interruption process is terminated.
[0088]
Next, the subroutine “VTR-SW processing” will be described with reference to FIG.
[0089]
First, in step 1201, the state of the VTR-SW is checked. If it is determined that the state is on, the process goes to step 1204. If it is determined in step 1201 that it is in the off state, the process goes to step 1202.
[0090]
In step 1204, it is checked whether the VTR is recording. If it is determined that the VTR is recording, the subroutine “VTR-SW processing” is terminated. If it is determined in step 1204 that the VTR is not recording, the recording of the VTR is started in step 1205. Then, the subroutine “VTR-SW process” is terminated.
[0091]
In step 1202, it is checked whether the VTR is recording. If it is determined that the VTR is recording, the process goes to step 1203 to stop the recording of the VTR, and the subroutine “VTR-SW processing” is terminated. If it is determined in step 1202 that the VTR is not recording, the subroutine “VTR-SW processing” is terminated.
[0092]
Subsequently, the subroutine “RET-SW processing” will be described with reference to FIG.
[0093]
First, in step 1301, the state of the RET-SW is checked. If it is determined to be in the on state, the process goes to step 1304. If it is determined in step 1301 that it is in the off state, the process goes to step 1302.
[0094]
In step 1304, the contents of the VF monitor are checked. If it is determined that the screen is an on-air screen, the subroutine “RET-SW processing” is terminated. If it is determined in step 1304 that the VF monitor content is a shooting screen, the process goes to step 1305 to set the VF monitor content to an on-air screen. Then, the subroutine “RET-SW process” is terminated. In step 1302, the contents of the VF monitor are checked. If it is determined that the screen is a shooting screen, the subroutine “RET-SW processing” is terminated. If it is determined in step 1302 that the content of the VF monitor is an on-air screen, the content of the VF monitor is set in the shooting screen in step 1303. Then, the subroutine “RET-SW process” is terminated.
[0095]
Here, as shown in FIG. 1, by connecting SW information from the lens unit 101 to the camera unit 121 separately from the serial communication 141, the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 does not depend on the information transfer of the serial communication 141. The SW information can be read at any time. In addition, SW information can be arranged in parallel on a connector for serial communication, and SW information can be transmitted to the camera unit 121 using a connector different from serial communication.
[0096]
In the embodiment, the switches 151 and 152 are connected to the computer of the camera independently of the serial communication line. However, when the switches 151 and 152 are used to perform information only by serial communication, this line is used. It is not necessary to provide the processing of steps 1408 to 1411 in FIG. Further, in the embodiment, the communication at the time of the switch operation in steps 1408 to 1411 in FIG. 14 and steps 904 to 910 in FIG. 9 is performed, but only one of the communication may be performed.
[0097]
As mentioned above, RET-SW and VTR-SW information have been taken as examples of high-speed transfer information, but it is easy to apply to other SW information.
[0098]
In addition to SW, it can also be applied to data that requires high-speed transfer, such as strobe emission timing, single-lens reflex aperture information, and focus / lens position information in an AF system.
[0099]
Moreover, although the communication between a lens and a camera is shown, it is employable also for the communication between a pan head and a lens or a camera, for example.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the photographing system of the present invention, in the photographing system that performs serial communication between the camera and the lens device connected to the camera, the lens device outputs a signal independently of the information request command from the camera. A signal generation unit is formed, and a signal from the signal generation unit is communicated with the camera via a communication line provided independently of the serial communication, thereby enabling quick communication. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a serial communication diagram for explaining communication in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a serial communication data configuration diagram.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing data contents.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining emergency processing when there is no camera command;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining emergency processing when there is a camera command.
7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a camera and a lens adopting the system configuration of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state in a viewfinder.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing in the lens.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of interrupt processing in a lens.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an interrupt processing flow in the camera.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of VTR-SW treatment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of RET-SW processing.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing in the camera.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Lens part
102 aCPU (computer)
112 timer
121 Camera
122 bCPU (computer)
123 recording device
124 viewfinder
141 Serial communication
151 RET-SW
152 VTR-SW

Claims (2)

In a photographing system for performing serial communication via a serial communication line between a camera having a recorder for recording video and a lens device connected to the camera,
The lens device has an operation member that forms a signal for starting the recorder independently of a data request command from the camera,
A signal for starting the recorder from the operation member is communicated to the camera via a communication line provided independently of the serial communication line without a data request command from the camera. Shooting system. In a photographing system that performs serial communication via a serial communication line between a camera and a lens device connected to the camera,
The camera has a monitor for displaying an image through the lens device ,
The lens device has an operation member that forms a signal for switching the image of the monitor independently of a data request command from the camera,
Even if there is no data request command from the camera, a signal for switching the monitor image from the operation member is communicated to the camera via a communication line provided independently of the serial communication line. A characteristic shooting system.

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